The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the most delightful cookies to bake during this time is Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. These cookies are not just tasty; they come with the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries and oranges that perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas. With their chewy texture and bright colors, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for enjoying during cozy evenings at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies for many reasons. First, they are easy to make. If you have never baked cookies before, this recipe is perfect for you. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow.
Second, these cookies are full of flavor. The combination of cranberries and orange zest gives them a unique taste that is perfect for the holiday season. You get a nice balance of sweetness from the sugars and a tart burst from the cranberries.
Third, the chewy texture is simply delicious. Each bite is soft and moist, making them hard to resist.
Finally, these cookies are great for sharing. They make wonderful gifts during the holidays, and they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you want to fill a cookie jar or take a batch to a family gathering, these cookies are a great choice.
HOW TO MAKE Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Making Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is simple. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start baking, it’s helpful to gather all your equipment. Here is what you will need:
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (or a whisk)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Wire racks for cooling
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these tasty cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add it to the butter mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest (and nuts if using).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
HOW TO SERVE Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Serving Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is easy. You can have them warm right out of the oven or let them cool completely. They are perfect for munching on their own or with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
For a festive touch, serve them on a holiday-themed plate. You can also stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a beautiful gift.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about a week. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them.
To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they will taste great.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are many ways to serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Here are some ideas:
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert.
- Serve them alongside hot cocoa or eggnog during a holiday gathering.
- Place them on a cookie platter with other cookies for a festive cookie exchange.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Chocolate Chips: Add a cup of chocolate chips for a rich and sweet treat.
- Different Nuts: Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds instead of or in addition to the nuts.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in other dried fruits like apricots or raisins for more flavors.
- Spices: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dough.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for gluten-free cookies.
4. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can happen if the dough is too warm or if you didn’t add enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately and chill the dough if it’s too soft.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
If you want to prepare ahead, here are some tips. You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
Another option is to scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want without doing much work!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add it to the butter mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest (and nuts if using).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.